Maggie and John Flashcards
Maggie; ‘Ye couldna even wash up a dish for me!’
This shows that John’s willingness to help with Maggie’s household duties is nonexistent and sees domestic work as the preserve of women. This highlights the theme of gender roles as despite John caring for Maggie, he is unable to support her as a husband as he cares more about how he is perceived by society and about keeping his masculinity in check. This causes feelings of frustration in Maggie as he is not doing his part.
John; ‘…mebbe we ought tae have helped mak things a bit easier for her.’
The use of the inclusive ‘we’ suggest he as recognised his failings as a supportive husband. Up until this dramatic scene in the play, John has remained unaware of Maggie’s struggles and how his lack of support doesn’t make it any easier, and he is perceived as a sweet, loving, handsome husband. However, once Maggie realises all the selfless sacrifices she has made for his children with none of his help, he too is able to see better and have a slight idea of how much Maggie has on his plate. The fact he isn’t aware of her situation until she loses control and has a breakdown suggest there is little communication in their marriage.
Maggie; ‘it’s because things have aye been right atween you an me that I can struggle on.’
This is a heartwarming scene and it indicates that John is what drives Maggie to keep going, no matter how hard things are for her. It shows she appreciates their relationship and the way it makes her feel safe and certain.
Maggie; ‘Ye dry, John? I’ll pit the kettle on.’
This suggests that Maggie anticipates his needs and wants to care for him. This also highlights the theme of women’s roles as John hasn’t done anything strenuous during the day, whereas Maggie has been working nonstop. Yet John’s obvious consideration for Maggie does not stop him for accepting her assumption that she should make him a cup of tea when he comes in, although she is exhausted.
John; Some day we’ll hae a real bed, Maggie.’
John promising that they will have a bed eventually suggests he is hopeful for their future. This also highlights the theme of poverty and shows the strength of their relationship – despite missing out on important things like a bed, Maggie and John are still able to appreciate each other and have an easygoing, humorous, and sweet marriage. This shows that they appreciate each other’s company so much that it doesn’t matter what conditions they are in. This contrasts with the mercenary nature of Alec and Isa’s relationship, where there are constant conflicts, and they can only be happy if they have money.
Maggie (bursting into tears); ‘I’ve din ma best wi him! I have! I have!’
Maggie’s outburst suggests she fears John will blame the way Alec turned out on Maggie’s upbringing. This shows Maggie is slightly fearful of John and feels her efforts and selfless sacrifices may not have paid off. The repetition of ‘I have’ and the use of exclamation marks suggest a need to be heard, believed, and validated. This highlights the theme of gender roles as Maggie feels pressured to do her job as a mother right, and has put her whole life into doing so, whereas John, as a man, can easily put the blame on her.
Maggie (to John); ‘And I like a man - ( her voice breaking) - tae stand up for his wife.’
Maggie is heartbroken as John has, in a way, been unfaithful to Maggie by taking Isa’s side in an argument. This highlights the theme of gender roles as the argument ended with Isa describing what makes a man a man, and the first time Maggie introduces an unexpected idea of what really makes a man a man. As Maggie has noticed John’s faults and feels betrayed by him, she has a new, hostile attitude towards him. This plays a part in the development of their relationship’s dynamics.
John; ‘Ach, tommorow!’
When John wants to eat the food and Maggie is concerned about there being enough food for the next day, John’s careless response suggests that he has a live-for-the-moment attitude and their poverty doesn’t leave him worrying about the future. However, Maggie cannot afford to have this attitude and is mature enough to be careful with rationing the food. This highlights the theme of gender roles as the men of the house had the one expectation of providing the family with money, whereas the women would have to take account of and worry about things which the men could not understand as this wasn’t thought of as their duty - in this case, rationing the food wisely.
